Karwar: After a decade-long wait, the High Court has permitted the clearance of a small portion of the massive iron ore stockpile at Belekeri port in Ankola taluk. Following a joint assessment by the Department of Forests, Mines, and Geology, it was decided that five out of the 56 stockpiles, totalling 30,000 to 35,000 tonnes, could be cleared. These stockpiles are part of the overall 2.72 lakh tonnes of ore that have accumulated in the region.
The court granted this clearance to several companies, including Rajmahal Silk, Vedanta, Gemtech, and Sesa Goa. These companies are now required to meet certain conditions, such as providing financial security, paying royalties, and ensuring that the disposal of the ore is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
Over the years, the quality of the iron ore has significantly deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to environmental factors like rain, wind, and sun. Laboratory tests will guide how the ore should be disposed of. This ruling marks a significant step in resolving the long-standing issue of stockpile clearance, and the companies involved must strictly adhere to the court’s conditions as they proceed with the disposal process.